Other NRL players who could make it in the NFL

Code-jumping- or sport-jumping- is not unusual amongst Rugby League players, the likes of Wendell Sailor, Karmichael Hunt, Sonny Bill Williams and Anthony Mundine are notable examples of former NRL players who thrived for something more.

However, Jarryd Hayne’s move from being one of the most prominent stars in the NRL, to a rookie NFL prospect for the San Francisco 49ers has generated more hype than any who came before him, and rightly so.

Hayne’s explosive debut for the 49ers made headlines all over Australia and the United States, and made NFL scouts take notice of the talent that the NRL could potentially bring their sport.

If they were to come over to Australia and scope out the talent, here’s what they would find:

Greg Inglis – Running Back

Arguably the best to currently play the game, Greg Inglis at running back could give Jarryd Hayne a run for his money.

Standing at six-foot-five with a weight of 105 kilograms, the 28 year old is the NRL’s biggest ever fullback, which is remarkable given his surprising speed and skilful footwork.

Inglis’ fending game is unmatched and the South Sydney Rabbitohs star is accustomed to both giving and receiving big hits. He would fit in well with the NFL.

James Graham – Offensive Guard

Graham is by no means the most popular player in the NRL, but his unmatched passion and will make him a great asset to any football club.

The Englishman is a workhorse in defence, and has a strong and aggressive tackling game that sees him either getting praised or criticised.

There is much more freedom when tacking in the NFL – and protection – and James Graham is the kind of player that would thrive on this.

Graham is lighter than the traditional offensive guard, however he has a ‘win at all costs’ approach to the game, and would do anything to protect his quarterback.

Who wouldn’t feel safe with Graham guarding them?

Billy Slater – Punt Returner

One of the greatest fullbacks in the modern era, Billy Slater has stood out from the rest at both club and representative levels.

Slater is quick, reliable and has this knack for being at the right place at the right time. He knows where he needs to be and he gets there every time.

However, his running game is where he shines. When Billy Slater catches a ball and starts running everyone knows it is going to be a mission to take him down, and you can be sure he will make metres almost every time.

Slater has the ability to detect small openings in microseconds, and take advantage of them.

NFL defenders will have their hands full every time Slater catches the kick, and if he manages to squeeze through a gap there aren’t many who can catch him.

Adam Reynolds – Kicker

Whenever goal kickers in rugby league are mentioned, the first name that springs to mind is always Canterbury-Bankston Bulldogs legend Hazem El Masri.

However, South Sydney’s Adam Reynolds is well on his way to being mentioned with the legends.

The 25 year old has an incredible goal kicking conversion rate of 84 percent, which currently places him higher than El Masri (81.9 percent).

If Reynolds can keep on this same trajectory, he will be well on his way to becoming the best goal kicker of all time.

Reynolds is accurate. He can hit them from out wide and from distance, and his consistent kicking game would enable him to score consistent extra points in the NFL, and well has efficiently punt and kick-off for his side.

Related Articles

nrl

2017 Rugby League World Cup – 10 Points of Interest

October 16, 2017

The 2017 Rugby League World Cup is almost upon us, and whilst it doesn’t have the worldwide hype of other International tournaments, there is plenty to interest even the most casual of rugby league fan. 14 Nations will compete in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup which will be hosted in Australia, New Zealand and […]

NRL 2018 Predictions: Separating the contenders from the pretenders

March 5, 2018

Ladies and gentlemen it’s that time of year again, the start of a new NRL season is almost upon us. The dust has finally settled after one of the busiest off seasons in recent memory, that saw the transfer carousel in full swing, the final trial matches have been run and won and each club […]

What to do with the Tier 2 Rugby League Nations now?

December 1, 2017

With the Rugby League World Cup coming to a climax in Brisbane this weekend, it’s hard not to be a little disappointed that none of the Tier 2 Rugby League Nations that electrified the tournament made the final. Tonga and Fiji were the headline act of this year’s World Cup, both defeating New Zealand on the […]

Doubling Up: The Best Dual Sport Athletes

December 11, 2017

For many pundits, competing for your country in any sport represents the impossible dream. For a small handful of lucky athletes, their talents extend beyond their chosen sport and into a second event. From Michael Jordan’s baseball career to Jarryd Hayne’s NFL dream, hundreds of athletes have tried their hand at a second discipline. Admittedly, […]

The month of movement: What it means for the NRL clubs involved?

December 11, 2017

The 2017 NRL season ended on Sunday, October 1 when the Melbourne Storm defeated the North Queensland Cowboys 34-6 to win their 3rd premiership. However, November has been the month of movement with player transfers going into overdrive with several big name and key position players switching clubs. At a time where the Rugby League […]